Under the UAE's amended laws, many private sector workers on permanent contracts will find themselves moved to rolling fixed-term contracts. Stephen Lock / The National
Lawyer Mohamed Rouchdi said job-sharing could benefit mothers returning to the workplace and students looking to make some cash. Ruel Pableo for The National
A person who loses or leaves their job will now have 180 days, instead of 30 days, to find new work. The move will reduce the pressure to leave the country in the event of a job loss. Nicole Hill / The National
The Gate Building at Dubai International Financial Centre. Employees in the free zone and at Abu Dhabi Global Markets are not affected by the changes. Antonie Robertson / The National
Government sector workers are also not affected by the changes. Ali Haider / EPA
A version of this article was first published in November 2021
The new UAE labour law regulating the private sector provides greater protection for employees and introduces more flexibility into the workplace.
Described as one of the largest updates to the laws regulating labour relations, it will come into force on February 2, 2022.
Many of the new regulations make it easier for people to change jobs, while providing protection for employers in the private sector, who might have spent thousands of dirhams on recruiting staff from abroad.
The new rules will bring more certainty and stability to the labour market
Luke Tapp, Pinsent Masons LLP
Under the legislation, employers may not force workers to leave the country after the end of the work relationship or the termination of a work contract. Instead workers will be allowed to move to another employer.
The new rules also mean employment contracts of indefinite duration will no longer be permitted.
Instead, fixed-term contracts of no more than three years will be introduced. These can be renewed several times with the agreement of the two parties.
Dubai lawyer Ludmila Yamalova said this unifies and simplifies the UAE labour market.
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
UAE Salary guide 2022
"Before we had limited and unlimited contracts and the calculation of end-of-service benefits and other entitlements differed.
"This complexity has now been removed and made all the entitlements the same, irrespective of what type of contract you hold, and whether you were terminated or resigned."
There are, however, strict new rules regarding probation for the employee and employer, when a worker starts a new job.
Luke Tapp, head of the Middle East employment practice for Pinsent Masons LLP said the new legislation "brings local labour laws in line with international best practice".
Probation periods
The new law states that probation periods may not be longer than six months, and employers are required to give a minimum of 14 days notice in writing if they wish someone to leave their employment before the date specified for ending their service.
Ms Yamalova said this was a notable change.
"Previously the employer could terminate during probation at any time with no notice, for any reason. Now the article is a lot beefier – it no longer allows for immediate termination," she said.
The law has also changed for employees choosing to leave during their probation period.
The length of notice period now depends on the reason why the employee is leaving, and what they plan to do next.
If the staff member wants to switch jobs to work for a new employer in the UAE then they must give one month's written notice. The new employer is also required to compensate the previous employer for all the recruitment costs or fees spent contracting the employee.
If the staff member is leaving the UAE, then only 14 days' written notice is required.
However, if that person returns to the Emirates and obtains a new work permit within three months from the date of departure, and goes to work for another employer, the new employer must compensate the previous employer, unless there is an agreement between the worker and the employer stating otherwise.
Compensation equal to the employee's wage must be made if either the employer or employee fails to adhere to these regulations.
If an expatriate employee leaves the country without abiding by the regulations, he will not be given a work permit to work in the country for one year from the date of leaving the country.
Ms Yamalova said: "These regulations regarding probation are interesting, and all new. They are clearly designed to deter employees using certain employers as a bridge into the UAE from abroad. That is understandable given the recruitment cost to employers."
Dubai lawyer, Luke Tapp is head of the Middle East employment practice at Pinsent Masons, LLP. Photo: Pinsent Masons LLP
Mr Tapp, said the private sector has been requesting these changes "for years".
"The new rules will bring more certainty and stability to the labour market in relation to probationary periods.
"In some ways, there will be less flexibility, because neither party can now terminate without any notice during the probationary period. However, the increased financial and employment protection that this provides to both parties will have a beneficial impact on the private sector workforce.
"The medium to long-term practical impact of legislative developments such as this one will ultimately help to further attract and retain leading companies and world class talent into the UAE."
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Typical salaries for UAE jobs
TEACHER/LECTURER: The average salary in UAE is Dh9,000 with lows of Dh4,000 and highs of Dh21,000. Headteachers earn an average of Dh46,000 with highs of Dh75,000. University staff are typically well paid, with assistant professors and full lecturers earning between Dh20,000 and Dh40,000. AFP
FLIGHT CREW: Salaries for cabin crew and aircraft technicians range from Dh6,000 to Dh23,000. Pilots can usually secure between Dh20,000 to Dh60,000, depending on experience. EPA
FOOD AND DRINK: The average salary for a bartender, waiter or supervisor is Dh4,000 to Dh5,000, rising to Dh7,500 to Dh8,500 for managers. Chefs and head chefs can expect to take home between Dh6,000 to Dh38,000. Hotels often provide staff accommodation. Hollie Adams / Getty Images
ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING: A flooded market with basic accountants often earning Dh5,000 to Dh10,000. Senior auditors can earn Dh30,000 or more. Accountants who move into finance and management can expect significantly higher salaries. Getty Images
CONSTRUCTION: Engineering jobs have been hit hard by a downturn in the sector, but it remains a skilled and respected profession. Junior salaries for site inspectors and engineers begin at a few thousand dirhams, rising to Dh45,000 or more for construction managers. Gulf Talent says salaries in Saudi are higher than the UAE in some roles. Sammy Dallal / The National
NURSES: The true heroes of the pandemic, these professionals worked around the clock to treat patients and save lives. Salaries range between Dh4,000 to Dh14,500 and can be higher for senior nurses in higher-end private hospitals. AFP
HEALTH AND SAFETY: Health and safety has become a key priority. Junior roles in this sector can take home, on average, about Dh5,500 a month. That rises to Dh22,500 for managerial positions. Victor Besa / The National
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR: Non-medical staff are currently in demand as the role of managing patients, their documents, payment and test results is increasingly crucial. Salaries vary but can be in the same region as nurses. Reem Mohammed / The National
CYBERSECURITY: The threat posed by cybercrime has never been more real, with the sale of financial assets, documents and medical records a lucrative business. Systems analysts and software engineers can earn Dh25,000 or more, rising significantly for those with high-end cybersecurity experience. Unsplash
HR, MARKETING AND FINANCE: Senior roles in these managerial classes vary significantly, but are generally well paid and often come with performance-related bonuses. Gulf Talent lists HR manager and HR business partner salaries at up to Dh42,500. An HR director of a major firm can earn twice that. Getty Images
SALES AND MERCHANDISING: As the economy slowly picks up, the retail sector will be looking to fill key roles again soon. Gulf Talent lists sales staff salaries from Dh1,500 to Dh3,500. A sales merchandiser can take home twice that each month. Paulo Vecina / The National
HOTELS: A duty manager at a hotel can earn anywhere from Dh6,000 to Dh26,000 per month. Front of house staff, including concierge, can take take home between Dh1,500 to Dh9,000. Staff accommodation is typically provided. Sarah Dea / The National
LEGAL: Lawyers and legal advisors can earn between Dh7,500 to Dh37,500. That rises to more than Dh53,000 for legal counsel positions, though the average sits at about Dh20,500. Jeff Topping / The National
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION: Jobseekers for secretarial and receptionist roles can expect salaries ranging from Dh2,500 to Dh8,000. Personal assistants and office managers fare better, from Dh4,500 up to Dh22,500 for higher-end firms. Getty Images
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champioons League semi-final:
First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2
Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome
In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter
Price: From Dh2,099
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Friday Valladolid v Osasuna (Kick-off midnight UAE)
Saturday Valencia v Athletic Bilbao (5pm), Getafe v Sevilla (7.15pm), Huesca v Alaves (9.30pm), Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (midnight)
Sunday Real Sociedad v Eibar (5pm), Real Betis v Villarreal (7.15pm), Elche v Granada (9.30pm), Barcelona v Levante (midnight)
Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
Travel distance: Limited
Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
Duration: Can linger for days
Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Jewel of the Expo 2020
252 projectors installed on Al Wasl dome
13.6km of steel used in the structure that makes it equal in length to 16 Burj Khalifas
550 tonnes of moulded steel were raised last year to cap the dome
724,000 cubic metres is the space it encloses
Stands taller than the leaning tower of Pisa
Steel trellis dome is one of the largest single structures on site
The size of 16 tennis courts and weighs as much as 500 elephants
Al Wasl means connection in Arabic
World’s largest 360-degree projection surface
Global institutions: BlackRock and KKR
US-based BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with $5.98 trillion of assets under management as of the end of last year. The New York firm run by Larry Fink provides investment management services to institutional clients and retail investors including governments, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, banks and charitable foundations around the world, through a variety of investment vehicles.
KKR & Co, or Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, is a global private equity and investment firm with around $195 billion of assets as of the end of last year. The New York-based firm, founded by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, invests in multiple alternative asset classes through direct or fund-to-fund investments with a particular focus on infrastructure, technology, healthcare, real estate and energy.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Scoreline
Switzerland 5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
